I also see Shaq as a huge improvement to whoever has occupied that outside linebacker spot. All we need him to do is play like a first round player and I'm confident that he will. His athleticism and sideline to sideline ability with Luke and TD is just scary. He has an uncanny knack for the football...just like Luke and Thomas Davis. Those three are going to rack up a healthy amount of sacks, INTs, FF, and fumble recoveries this season. Really like the pass rushing element Shaq could bring to this defense on stunts. Will be interesting to see how we use him but I am feeling good about McDermott and Rivera getting the most out of his abilities.

I think Star and Short this season will be far better than they were their rookie year. Short really has the ability to be dominant with his size and first step and I think Star takes a step forward assuming the foot heals up fine. Definitely will miss Hardy's rushing ability and his strength against the run but I like the rotation we have there. I think Ealy and Alexander could combine for 12-15 sacks potentially.

Charles Johnson - Star Lotulelei - Kawann Short - Frank Alexander/Kony EalyThomas Davis - Luke Kuechly - Shaq ThompsonCharles Tillman - Bene Benwikere (n) - Josh NormanRoman Harper/Kurt Coleman - Tre BostonAssume the injury bug doesn't bite us too bad. I really believe if Kony or Frank take the next step and have strong season that this defense can potentially be one of the best Carolina has ever had by season's end. The defense is the strongest I've seen here up the middle. I really think the versatility and coverage/blitzing ability of TD and Shaq will give offenses fits when Star and Short get a push up the middle. It's light out if Norman plays like he did to close out the season and Bene takes another step forward. The safeties are clearly the weak link of the defense and I'm not quite sure what to think of Boston (need to see more but I like his game) but I do like having a veteran back there in Harper and Coleman. By season's end, as we are rolling into the playoffs, this defense could potentially be playing at a level we haven't seen in Charlotte for a long time. I think it has the potential and upside to be better than 2013. I think we could give up an average of 14 a game or so and that's even with some of the high-powered offenses we will see in the Colts, Packers, and potentially the Giants and Cowboys.

I've never been to Fan Fest or even a practice for that matter, but I'd have to guess you'd have far more luck at training camp if you put in a few days there or before a practice when they get back to Charlotte at BOA.